Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has taken responsibility for his role in the political turmoil in Fiji, recognizing that the coups of 2000 and 2006 can be traced back to the coup he led on May 14, 1987. During a heartfelt speech at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Reconciliation and Restoration ceremony held at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Rabuka expressed remorse for the pain inflicted on families and communities as a result of these events.
Rabuka called for forgiveness, addressing both the commissioned officers and their families in attendance, stating, “To all commissioned officers and all ranks and your families, I bear the blame and I seek forgiveness from you all.” In a moving plea, he expressed his hope for peace and healing, urging those affected to find the strength to forgive not only him but also those who followed his orders during the 1987 coup.
The ceremony highlighted a commitment to end the “coup culture” in Fiji, with Rabuka emphasizing the importance of acknowledging each other’s experiences as a pathway to achieving genuine peace. The Reconciliation and Restoration program aims to mend divisions and rebuild trust within the RFMF and the broader community, reinforcing a shared vision for national progress and development.
This acknowledgment of past wrongs marks a significant step toward healing in Fiji, offering hope for a more unified future. As communities and leaders engage in this reconciliation process, it paves the way for a renewed spirit of cooperation and collective growth among all Fijians.
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